Jay A. Blessing
 |
| Age: |
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23 |
| Hometown: |
Tacoma, WA |
| Date of Death: |
11/14/2003 |
| Incident Location: |
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| Branch of Military: |
|
Army |
| Rank: |
Sgt |
| Unit: |
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment |
| Unit's Base: |
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"A lot of kids get superficial in discussions," said Wilson, who had Blessing as a student in two English courses. "But when he had something to say, it was more insightful ... He seemed to have a lot of information that kind of startled the other kids. It was always an 'A-ha!' for the other kids.' " After graduation, Blessing returned to his high school several times to visit teachers and friends. Wilson said Blessing sported shoulder-length hair in high school but returned to campus with a military haircut and proudly wearing his uniform.
Blessing was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment Combat Shoulder Sleeve Insignia and Ranger tab.